Trying to hold it together...

[HippyJo]

Hi all
I'm usually ok with my mental health. I can usually cope. I have a history of depression and have had treatment in the past, but for some reason, whilst I know I need to see my GP to get something to
help, I'm struggling with bringing myself to go. I moved surgeries a few months ago because the doc I felt comfortable with at my old
Practise left, the others were both male and I dislike seeing a male GP. I have found one doctor at my new surgery who I feel I can trust, but I've seen her 3 times in the last two weeks for pain following an operation I had 3 weeks ago. I feel like I would be bothering her if I went back again. I don't feel like I'm ill enough to require meds yet, but I know that I will totally slump after Christmas, as I always do... In previous years my old GP would happily write me a script for anti-d's to start now to cover me so that I didn't get so low after Christmas. I'm not sure my new gp would do the same. Also, I spent most of my last pain appointment in floods as that morning I had some bad news, and I'm worried that if I ask for anti-da now she will think it's because of the bad news and not because I know I will need them.
trigger alert I always struggle in January as that's when I lost my dad and I have turned to sh in the past, which is why I want to be up on meds before I get to jan...
Do you think I would be wasting my time? I also don't want to appear as attention seeking at the GP... You know "she here for pain one week, crying the next and now she's asking for anti-d's"
What to do?

Jo x

AD's take usually a few weeks to work so if you want them to be in your system for January then you need them now. However, a gp may or may not prescribe them. They may offer alternatives and or as well. I guess AD's can be used in different ways, usually not for short term relief of a particular stressful time, so may be worth seeing if they gp have a different approach for you to try.

I am struggling with Christmas, due to a parents death; there are no easy answers. Grief is so very, very tough.

Thank you for your reply hoophopes.
I usually have anti-d's from December to May (I also also suffer from sad), but I am getting stressed over asking for them. My gp has said she doesn't like prescribing them for a short time, but I do find they help.
I'm sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is very hard. Was it recent? I understand too well how hard Christmas can be when you are grieving, no matter how recent or distant the loss. You have my sympathy-and thank you for taking the time to reply when you have your own struggles.
((Hugs))
Jo x

Sorry to hear you're struggling and sorry for your loss too . I've had episodes of depression for many years and most GPs will be happy you came before it got too bad, not judgey. Depression is an illness and needs treatment - most GPs now take this approach and see it the same as another illness. Please go to GP - if it would help maybe tell her that you are worrying about seeing her again and she might reassure you. It's fantastic that you are being proactive about managing the depression and being aware of triggers etc - you should be applauded for getting help early xxxx

I would definitely see a gp, tell them which AD suits you and ask for a script. Especially if you struggle in winter months. Does not mean you will need them every winter, as I can see them not wanting to prescribe short term like that every year but no reason why not have them now to help! Anything that helps and is easily available is worth it.

Yes a recent loss and not expected really and all bit complicated. And that person's birthday is soon so can understand why memories are hard. I know I need to develop better coping strategies and happy thoughts but sometimes it is all too raw. I am not using ad's to cope but short term medication this month!